Acanthus ilicifolius, commonly known as holly-leaved acanthus, sea holly, and holy mangrove, is a species of shrubs or herbs, of the plant family Acanthaceae, native to Australia, Australasia, and Southeast Asia. It is used as medicine in asthma and rheumatism.[2]
Acanthus ilicifolius | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Lamiales |
Family: | Acanthaceae |
Genus: | Acanthus |
Species: | A. ilicifolius
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Binomial name | |
Acanthus ilicifolius | |
Synonyms | |
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The plant grows as a shrub, up to 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) tall. It has shallow tap roots and occasionally develops a stilt root. Fruits are kidney-shaped.[citation needed]
The species is widespread Southeast Asia, Indochina, Indonesia, the Philippines and northern Australia. It occurs in mangrove habitats.[1]
Media related to Acanthus ilicifolius at Wikimedia Commons